Poem on the death of Joseph Bayle, possibly by his aunt Deborah Tutty

• January 5, 2018 18:41:30 Thomas A. Lingner

  A Tribute to Sergeant Bayle, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

  (Killed in action, FRANCE, March 21st 1916.)

  ----

  1. Just where the fight was fiercest,

  Where screamed the shot and shell,

  Doing his DUTY bravely,

  Our noble hero fell.

  
  

  2. One of the first to offer,

  A willing Volunteer

  In the ranks of the grand old

  Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

  
  

  3. Six months he served in Flanders,

  Where the shots fell 'round like hail

  But he led in the strife undaunted

  Our noble Sergeant Bayle.

  
  

  4. Ever so bright an cheerful

  Tho' danger threatened the while

  With a kindly word, and a ready joke,

  And on his face a smile.

  
  

  5. Proud are the hearts that love him

  Tho' they ache with the sudden loss

  And pray in the hour of weakness

  For strength to bear the Cross.

  
  

  6. His life he gave for his Country,

  That wrong should not prevail

  O'er Right. And so he fought and Died

  Our Noble Sergeant Bayle.

  
  

  7. But in our Hearts and Memories

  His name shall ever live,

  And as we think of his brave deeds

  Do not unduly grieve,

  
  

  8. At his young life so soon laid down

  But upward look to see

  The silver lining of the Cloud

  Which now hangs threateningly.

  
  

  9. Yet sorrow lightens as we hear

  His Comrades tell the tale,

  Of his self-sacrificing life

  Courageous Sergeant Bayle.

  
  

  10. Let others rise his place to fill

  And haste the peaceful Day,

  Avenge his death, and conquer those

  Who wives and children slay.

  
  

  11. Earths weary strife for him is o'er 

  His now the victors crown

  What greater love hath man than this

  His life for Friend laid down.

  
  

  L.T.

  Toronto

  
  

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